If you want to learn how to grow beets, here are some tips. Find out how to thin your beets and how to keep weeds away from taking over your garden. Also, learn how to grow beets on raised beds. These tips will help you grow healthy beets and avoid pests and diseases that can attack your garden.
Thinning beets
When growing beets, it is important to thin seedlings as they emerge. A single seedling will take up more space that a cluster of seeds. It is best to thin beets three to four inches apart so they have enough room to grow. The thinning process will also allow the seedlings to develop proper root systems.
When they reach approximately four to five inches, beet seedlings need to be trimmed. Seedlings are often clumped together in groups. This can damage seedlings once they have germinated. It is safer to remove excess beet seedlings rather than to transplant them.
Preventing weeds from overtaking beets
Beets are slow-growing and vulnerable to competition from weeds. These weeds are often taller and emerge earlier than the beet crop, which can severely reduce yields. Farmers can use a combination herbicides and hoes in order to control weeds. This will prevent them from taking over the crop. These methods are not always effective and can reduce yields by up to 80%. In addition to weeds, beets are also attacked by insects and diseases. These insects may cause direct damage or transmit viral diseases.
Thankfully, there are several methods for controlling weeds in beets, including post-emergence herbicides. These herbicides can be applied before the beets emerge, and cause minimal damage to them. Select Max can be used to suppress grasses, while Spin-Aid can provide broadleaf protection. However, Spin-Aid is best used on healthy plants and should not be applied to stressed plants.
Pests and diseases that affect beets
Several pests and diseases attack beet plants, causing damage to the leaves and resulting in slower plant growth. Beets are susceptible to curly top virus, which can cause purple veins to appear on leaves. Beets can be infected by cutworms. This can cause the leaves become thicker and yellower. These pests can be controlled easily with pesticides.
Cercospora leaf spots is a fungal disease that affects beets living in warm, humid climates. The symptoms of Cercospora leaf spot are round spots with a purple border. The leaves can also develop irregular spots and mold from downy mildew. Some varieties are resistant to downy mildew, however. This disease can be reduced by improving air circulation. You should also be on the lookout for weeds in the area, which can harbor fungal diseases.
Raised beds for growing beets
Beets can be grown in containers and raised beds. Typically, they need 12 inches of space for their roots to grow, but they do well in shallower containers. Mixes should have excellent drainage and nutrient-rich compost. Mix a Miracle-Gro Performance Organics(r), Raised Bed Mix with nutrient-rich soil.
Seedlings should be planted in rows about 12 to 18 inches apart. To get the best results, thin the greens when they are four to five inches high. This will encourage the roots to grow to their full potential. When thinning, be careful not to disturb the roots.
Harvesting beets
The perfect time to harvest beets is about 50 to 70 days after you plant them. The root is ready to harvest when it is about the size of a tennis ball or golf ball. To harvest them, remove the mulch and look for the crowns of the beets that are poking out above the soil. They can be left in place for longer if they are large. However, younger beets will have more nutrients and flavor.
When harvesting beets, you must first water them. This will help loosen the soil around roots and make it easier for you to harvest them. Once the roots are lifted, you can use a fork and dig them up. Be sure to hold onto the greens at the base of the root so that they do not separate from the beets.
Planting beets inside containers
Beets are an excellent choice for container gardening because they do not require much space and can be planted in almost any location. They grow best in containers that have good air circulation and drainage. They also do well in part shade or full sunlight. Plant them in succession if you want to ensure a constant supply of beets.
You can plant beets inside containers in late summer when the weather is warm. Make sure that the soil is free from weeds when you grow beets. Once the seeds germinate, you should water them but not too much to make them soggy. It is also important to keep the soil evenly moist until the plants sprout. It is easy for container soil to dry out, especially in warm weather. To help keep the soil moist, it is best to cover it with mulch.
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I am a man of simple pleasures. I love spending my time in my yarn, where I cultivates beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables. Of course I takes great pride in his excellent yawn, and I loves to see the joy it brings to others – especially children. I also enjoys taking care of his lawn, and love to watch my dog play with the neighborhood kids on the lawn.
